COVID-19 on P.E.I.: What's happening the week of April 10

Some Island seniors say they are grateful to be resuming more activities outside the home, but they hope the province takes a cautious approach when lifting remaining public health restrictions.

Some communities on P.E.I. may soon be looking for information about COVID-19 in wastewater, as other Canadian jurisdictions have.

With the pandemic in its third year people are looking to travel again, and that's leading to a backlog and delays in passport renewals and applications.

Two more people with COVID-19 have died on P.E.I., the province reported in its weekly update Tuesday.

Prince Edward Islanders should be mindful while celebrating Easter that the COVID-19 pandemic is not over, says a research group established by the federal government to advise on pandemic policy.

P.E.I.'s emergency departments are working near capacity, says an emergency department doctor, and that has him concerned about the tourist season.

Health P.E.I. has responded that hospitals will be able to handle the increased traffic.

For the first time since 2019, high-school graduates are looking forward to a proper prom season.

Churches can operate at full capacity now, but it is going to take some time to rebuild congregations.

Some Islanders can now get their second booster dose of the COVID-19 vaccine.

CBC P.E.I. takes a look at how the Island is faring in the pandemic compared to other provinces, and finds it is not an easy question to answer.

As of April 12, there were17 people in hospital who were admitted due to COVID-19, including three in intensive care. Another 19 were admitted for other reasons and were positive for the coronavirus at or after admission. The province was averaging 317 cases a day over the previous seven days.

Elsewhere in Atlantic Canada

• Nova Scotia reported a daily average of 1,152 cases and 14 COVID-related deaths on Thursday. At the province's weekly COVID-19 briefing, the chief medical officer of health urged for more caution ahead of the Easter weekend.
• Newfoundland and Labrador reported seven more deaths on Wednesday. There are 32 people in hospital due to COVID-19, including six in critical care.
• New Brunswickhad predicted back in February hospitalizations would drop to zero by the end of this weekend. Instead, the provincehas recorded 10 more COVID-related deathsand 79 people are hospitalized because of the virus, including 13 in intensive care, according to the province's last weekly update on Tuesday.

Top news from last week

• P.E.I.'s Public Schools Branch says it is upping its recruitment effortsand has lowered the education requirements to work as a substitute teacher on the Island all in response to ongoingCOVID-19 staffing challengesin classrooms.
• The Island'steachers' federation says sick calls related to COVID-19 continue to create staffing challenges, sometimes leavingstudents without specializedsupports.
• P.E.I. is keeping mask mandates until at least April 28, Premier Dennis King announced ata news briefing on Tuesday. Many other restrictions, such as limitson personal and organized gatherings,were lifted on Wednesday.
• Islanders reactedwith a mix of excitement and trepidation.

Other helpful stories

• A timeline of pandemic events on P.E.I.
• 25 events shaping the first 2 years of the pandemic on P.E.I.
• How to treat yourself at home if you get COVID-19
• Here is the latest pandemic mask advice.
• Your COVID-19 rapid test is positive. Now what?
• P.E.I. government bringing back pandemic supports for workers.
• My family caught COVID-19. Here's what I wish I'd known.
• Why COVID-19 vaccination exemptions are rare on P.E.I.

When and where to seek care if you have COVID

P.E.I. closedits specialized cough and fever clinics for COVID-19 at the end of March. Primary care will pass to your doctor, nurse practitioneror a walk-in clinic.

Mild cases can be treated at home with rest.

If you are immunosuppressed or over the age of 50, you can call your primary care provider or 811 within the first five days of your COVID-19 symptoms to see if you may benefit from an antiviral medicine.

If you are concerned about your symptoms, you may also arrange an appointment with your doctor, nurse practitioneror awalk-in clinic. You may also call 811 to consult about your symptoms.

If your symptoms are so severe you don't believe you can wait for an appointment, then go to the emergency at your local hospital. If you do not feel you can travel to the hospital safely on your own, call 911.

TheseIslanders are currently eligible for a vaccine

• Anyone aged five and up.
• Third shots are available for Islanders 12 and older, six months following their second shot.
• Islanders can book an appointment to receive thevaccine at a pharmacy or a public health clinic.
• You can find more information about how to get a vaccinehere.

Reminder about symptoms

The symptoms of COVID-19 can include:

• New or worsening cough.
• Fever and/or chills.
• Sore throat.
• Runny nose, sneezing or congestion.
• Headache.
• Muscle, joint or body aches.
• Feeling unwell or unusually tired.
• Acute loss of sense of smell or taste.